Deut. I c. 16th century

Curator: This print, "Deut. I," is by Hans Holbein the Younger. Look at the density of marks! It's part of a series illustrating the Old Testament. Editor: It's stark, almost severe. The figure in the center, with what looks like horns, commands attention. The lines are so precise, giving it a potent, graphic feel. Curator: The materiality of woodcuts is fascinating. Each line, a deliberate carving. Think about the labor, the tools, the consumption of these images in Reformation-era pamphlets! Editor: It's interesting how the starkness amplifies the scene's drama. I mean, what is he saying? What are these people thinking? You can feel the weight of his words just hanging in the air. Curator: Absolutely, the emotional impact is palpable. Considering its function as religious instruction, it is quite effective at creating a sense of drama. Editor: Yes, it goes beyond mere information, doesn’t it? Holbein infuses this piece with an emotional depth that makes it timeless, despite its historical context. Curator: Agreed! Holbein's craftsmanship, the very process of carving, elevates the print. Editor: Makes you think about how many hands this image has passed through, doesn’t it?